National Anthem Contest Launched

June 30, 2011

Somerset Medical Center is pleased to announce that it will host its third annual National Anthem Contest that will grant one lucky winner a chance to sing before 50,000 spectators at the annual Far Hills Race Meeting on October 22nd. The contest will once again be held at Somerset Medical Center’s Steeplechase Cancer Center, which was named in honor of the Far Hills Race Meeting Association, the medical center’s most generous benefactor. All interested members of the community are invited to participate in the 2011 National Anthem Contest by first submitting an entry application. Applications are due by July 31.

Last year, local talent Marie Fosket, of Basking Ridge, NJ, was awarded the opportunity to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the 2010 Race Meeting, based on her written application and superb vocal rendition of the National Anthem. Fosket was chosen among 17 finalists to sing the National Anthem which she sang in honor of her aunt Mary Reynolds, who died of cancer.

“Somerset Medical Center’s National Anthem Contest is a great opportunity for our community to showcase their talent with the winner performing at The Far Hills Race Meeting,” said Ken Bateman, President and CEO of Somerset Medical Center. “This contest is a great way to symbolize the tremendous respect we have for the community and to show the bond between the Far Hills Race and the Somerset Medical Center.”

The competition requires each individual to complete an application and include a brief statement on why he or she would like to sing at the Far Hills Race Meeting. Once the finalists are chosen, they will go on to participate in a special panel-judged vocal competition which will ultimately determine the winner. Participants are asked to submit applications by July 31st, and all finalists will be notified beginning August 22nd. Selected finalists will move on to compete before the panel on September 27th.

This year marks the 91st historic Far Hills Race Meeting, a “must-attend” event of the fall season that combines the height of culinary skill, modern and traditional fashion, top thoroughbred jump racing and joyous camaraderie. Tens of thousands of attendees flock from near and far to participate in a day of entertainment and sport, all while contributing to a worthy cause. For 57 years, The Far Hills Race Meeting has raised money to support the programs and services of Somerset Medical Center, and to help to ensure the residents of central New Jersey are afforded the highest quality healthcare available. To date, The Far Hills Race Meeting has raised over $17 million.

Please visit www.SteepleChaseCancerCenter.com/anthem for the official National Anthem Contest application.

For additional information on the Far Hills Race Meeting, visit www.farhillsrace.org. Also, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FarHillsRaceMeeting.